Metro Vancouverites looking for a getaway without getting that far away have plenty of options in B.C.'s beautiful, bountiful backyard.
A cabin or lodge accommodation with a view isn't hard to find across the province, with several options offering spellbinding vistas you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you're looking for a lakeside hideaway, a rugged oceanside retreat, or a waterfront property with activities galore, these places offer sublime experiences for travellers looking to stay local.
Ocean Village Resort in Tofino
Folks looking to stay in their cabin while soaking in the rugged beauty of Tofino can enjoy a stay at the Ocean Village Resort on Mackenzie Beach. These iconic "beehive" cabins offer stunning, panoramic views from the shore, featuring one- and two-bedroom options. There is also a heated pool to enjoy on the property, and four-legged friends are welcome, too.
Visitors looking for a more economical option can also stay in the garden suites, a short stroll from the beach. While you won't have the sweeping ocean views from your doorstep, you'll still enjoy a prime location in Canada's surfing capital.
A spokesperson for the hotel told V.I.A. that the accommodations are a great place to "create lasting memories" in the breathtaking natural setting.
"Our charming cedar cabins were built in 1976 using timber from our property, and remain as down-to-earth and accessible as ever. Bring the whole family (even your four-legged members) and rediscover your natural side as you explore the wilds of our coastal rainforests, stroll the long sandy beaches and feel the rush of the Pacific at your back door," they explained.
Taku Resort on Quadra Island
Taku Resort has beachfront A-frame cabins that can fit up to eight people, terrace-level suites in a variety of configurations, a treehouse suite for two, camping and RV sites, and a two-suite beach house.
The resort is located just across the water from Campbell River. A brief 10-minute ferry ride gets you there, with ferries running hourly and the fee only charged from the Campbell River port. Quadra is the gateway to the Discovery Islands, popular with boaters, adventurers, off-the-grid-ers, and anyone looking for some serious decompression in a spectacularly and ruggedly beautiful place.
A Taku spokesperson tells V.I.A. that the Beachfront Cabins are by far the property's most popular throughout the year.
"In the winter, you can be cozy and warm by the fire after a day biking on amazing single track, going hiking or taking a cold dip. In the summer, they're still a great place to adventure out of or just take a few steps to the beach and read a book. They're very family/group friendly and pet friendly," they explained.
New this summer, Taku is adding a tiny A-frame for two people looking for "a cozier camping experience" in Drew Harbour.
Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of "pristine, stunning West Coast scenery at every turn," along with attentive, warm service They also have a host of activities both on and of the resort, including hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, First Nation’s culture and nature tours, golf, fishing, diving, and more.
The property also features a group hot tub and bocce, tennis, basketball, and beach courts. The resort was also designed with groups in mind, making it a great choice for weddings or other big events, such as family gatherings.
Chaunigan Lake Lodge
Chaunigan Lake Lodge is located within a 180,000 hectare wildlife sanctuary, which is title land and traditional territory of Xeni Gwet'in Nation, deep in the Chilcotin wilderness of south central B.C. Just 10 miles away, "major ice fields turn pink and orange as the sunsets." Wild horses have roamed these lands for centuries, and their population, as well as other wildlife populations, are protected from hunting. Bears are also considered sacred in the area.
Visitors can rent "cozy and romantic" lakefront cabins and enjoy wildlife viewing, trout fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, eco-tourism, hiking, and relaxing in the scenic location. They'll also enjoy stunning vistas of the Chilcotin Mountains.
Guests stay in hand-crafted log cabins (there are rustic or deluxe versions) or stay in the main lodge. Inside the main lodge, they can enjoy warming up by a large stone fireplace, reading in a cozy corner, or playing games in a separate room with a pool table, dartboard, and board games. They can also enjoy a drink while relaxing on the lakeside patio.
Terrace Beach Resort
Nestled in the lush forest in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island's west coast, Terrace Beach Resort offers guests sublime oceanfront views. The beachfront accommodation is also adjacent to the Wild Pacific Trail, allowing access on the cliffs to the famous Amphitrite Lighthouse. Visitors may also spot whales, sea otters, eagles, and other wildlife.
The cabins at Terrace Beach are a short drive on the Pacific Rim Highway from the UNESCO Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve.
Guests may also enjoy multiple activities in the area, including surfing, fishing, whale and storm watching, kayaking, hiking, cycling, birding, bear watching, plus boat and float plane tours. Also, the resort is pet-friendly, so you don't need to leave Fido with friends.
White Lake Cabins
Located on White Lake in the heart of the Shuswap, this property has a private beach and a large dock for enjoying morning coffee, sunbathing, and for launching canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Studio and two-bedroom cabins feature large kitchens with full-sized stoves, refrigerators, and microwaves. They have outdoor decks that are fully covered with aggregate concrete, BBQ and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs. The studios are ideal for two people and the two-bedroom are suitable for up to four.
The owners state: "The forest may not have WiFi, but here at White Lake Cabins, we promise you a better connection."
Nearby guests can enjoy horseback riding, a petting zoo, and waterslides in nearby Salmon Arm. The Shuswap Lake Estates Golf and Country Club is only 15 minutes away.
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